Glide silently through Schollaert Channel's ice-choked waters in a private Zodiac, getting within meters of humpback whales, leopard seals, and Adélie penguins. This is Antarctica at its most raw and intimate — a once-in-a-lifetime encounter in one of the world's last true wildernesses.
What to expect
You board a rigid inflatable Zodiac crewed by a certified polar expedition guide who doubles as your wildlife interpreter. The craft navigates between sculpted bergy bits and cathedral-sized tabular icebergs, cutting the engine whenever wildlife appears. Expect prolonged, unobstructed sightings of humpbacks bubble-net feeding, crabeater seals draped on ice floes, and dense penguin colonies onshore. The guide provides a full debrief with species identification and ecological context as you return.
Good to know
Pre-book well in advance — private Zodiac slots fill months before the austral summer season (Nov–Mar). Waterproof expedition gear is provided or can be rented. Allow 3–4 hours; confirm all-aboard time with the ship before departure. Layered base clothing essential even in December.